The Next Ten: Beginnings Series Books 11 - 20

by Jacqueline Druga

  “Should we hold a community meeting? I hate those.”

  “No.” Hal shook his head. “Post a memo and put a copy on the Joe board. It’s ridiculous how many people read that. Plus, have Danny do a story.”

  “That sounds good. I’ll run it by Frank to be cordial but like I said, mainly I wanted to get Jess out of the way before we discussed too much with Frank. You know how confusing he makes things.”

  “Unfortunately, I do. Perhaps he’ll be different at this meeting.”

  The door to the office opened loudly, bringing in Frank, loudly as well, “Oh, yeah. Serial mutilator and a killer meteor headed right for us. This meetings gonna be good.” He closed the door. “You got to love Beginnings.”

  Calmly, as if Frank said nothing unusual, Joe glanced up. “Frank. Have a seat.”

  “Beautiful day isn’t it.” Frank pulled up a chair and immediately faced Hal with a huge grin.

  “Why in God’s name are you smiling like a Containment resident?”

  “I’m happy. It’s a great day.” Frank nodded. “Jimmy is officially part of Beginnings. Dad’s beating his illness. We get to start up our investigative team again because we have some crackpot running around Beginnings disfiguring drunks and stealing their body parts—which I have a theory on. And last, no war with the Society because a meteor is coming.”

  Hal silently chuckled, crossed his legs, and flipped open his notepad. “This is gonna be good. Should we wait for Robbie?”

  Joe shook his head. “I don’t think Robbie’s coming. Now, Frank …”

  “I don’t think he is either,” Frank said “I don’t know, but I don’t think he is. We can say it now since we’re back. He was taking care of his arm. Just so you know, Dad, it doesn’t work.”

  “Just so you know, Frank, I knew.”

  “Knew what?”

  “Never mind,” Joe said. “Anyhow, back to this list of happy things you rattled off. Let’s start with that.”

  “Jimmy’s back,” Frank said.

  “Not that …”

  “Your illness?’

  “Not that either. Let’s focus more on the serial mutilator, meteor and, how did you put it, no war with the Society.”

  “Which makes me sad.” Frank nodded. “I was looking forward to some good old-fashioned war,”

  “I bet,” Joe commented, “So let’s begin with no war with the Society since that is the one I don’t get.”

  “The meteor and the no war with the Society,” Frank corrected.

  Joe held up a finger. “Let’s concentrate on the Society portion of that.”

  “I can’t.” Frank shrugged. “They go together. If there’s a meteor, there’s not gonna be a war”

  Hal interjected, “How do you figure?”

  Frank spoke as if Hal were lacking any intelligence and glanced at him. “Uh … a meteor, Hal, geez.” He shook his head. “The meteor comes, no war, which makes me sad.”

  Joe blinked slowly, “We’ve established the no war part makes you sad.”

  “Plus, the meteor’s not landing nearby enough for us to feel impact. Jason said we’ll get a good dust cloud and it will make things cold, real cold. He thinks. It’s a theory. Who knows?” Frank shrugged. “But a bad thing wipes out a bad thing. It’s the only instance I ever heard where two bads make a good.”

  Hal corrected, “You mean two wrongs make a right.”

  Joe halted them. “Both of you are really getting me confused. Frank, this meteor, they aren’t certain it’s coming.”

  “They’re pretty certain,” Frank said. “They’re checking this week. Jason said it is highly probable and they are pretty sure the vicinity it will land. It won’t be here. Don’t panic.” Frank glanced up. “I wonder if we’ll have to have a community meeting because …”

  “Frank!” Joe yelled.

  “What!” Frank blasted back. “That’s all I know. I can’t know anymore until Jason gets back from the conservatory.”

  “Observatory,” Hal said.

  “Whatever,” Frank shrugged. “Same difference.”

  Joe tossed his pencil. “Enough about the meteor. Back to the Society. Why are you saying there won’t be a war?”

  “Because of the meteor.”

  With slightly rolling eye, Hal shook his head. “Round and round we go, where it stops no body …”

  “Hal!” Joe nearly grunted then calmed. “Let’s try this again a different way. Frank? How is the meteor going to impact the war on the Society?”

  “By falling from the sky,” Frank answered. “See, at a high speed, a large piece of space rock will …”

  “Frank!” Joe yelled. “Explain how.”

  “I’m trying! I’m not a scientist. Ask Jason!”

  “No!” Joe barked. “You say the meteor landing will stop the war. How? Where is the connection?”

  Frank just stared.

  Hal lifted his hand. “Allow me.” He shifted in his seat and spoke to Frank like a teacher. “Big brother, why do you believe that the war will be over when the meteor hits?”

  “Because the meteor is hitting the Society.”

  Hal nodded once then turned to Joe. “See, that was simple. The meteor is landing on the Society.”

  “What!” Joe blasted. “It is not. It’s landing nowhere near the Society.”

  “Dad, Jason said.” Frank replied. “It’s landing in the far east.”

  “Yeah, so how do you figure it is hitting the Society?” Joe asked.

  Frank scoffed. “Dad? If Creed is far west, then the Society is far east.”

  Joe snapped a fast glare at Hal who snickered. “Frank, the Society …”

  “Cause you can’t get any further east than Washington DC,” Frank said. “Well maybe you can. But a one …”

  “Frank,” Joe tried to interrupt him.

  Frank continued. “The rock will wipe out everything to the coast. Our best shot …”

  “Frank.”

  “Will be an ocean hit. Because …”

  “Frank!”

  “What!”

  “Let me ask you a question,” Joe said, reasonable.

  “As long as it isn’t anything too scientific.”

  Lifting his hand, Joe nodded. “I promise it won’t be. Now, think about this question. If Jason told you he was changing where the meteor would hit and he predicted it would hit say … the Middle East, where then would you say the rock would land?”

  “Somewhere around Indiana, maybe more Ohio. If that’s the case, we’d better prepare Lodi.”

  Hal’s hand went to his face. “Oh my God. He’s an idiot.”

  “Shut the fuck up, Hal!” Frank snapped.

  “Frank.” Joe grew aggravated. “Ohio is the Middle East?”

  “Yes.”

  “Ohio?”

  “Yes.”

  “Frank, Ohio isn’t the Middle East, you asshole,” Joe agued. “Ever hear of Iraq. Iran?”

  “Yeah, I …” Frank paused. “Oh my God. I forgot they existed anymore.”

  Joe gave a thumbs up. “They’re still there. So if they are the Middle East and they still exist. Where is the Far East?”

  “Asia.” Frank answered. “Fuck.”

  “Good God, he’s catching on,” Hal said.

  “Fuck,” Frank whispered out. “There goes that vision of George looking at the sky, going ‘Uh!”

  Joe shrugged. “Sorry.”

  “Oh well, there’s a bright spot,” Frank said. “We still are facing war so we really shouldn’t worry about this meteor either.”

  Joe shook his head. “Not yet, unless Jason comes back and says we should. It’s not a concern at all.”

  “Not even the dust cloud?” Frank asked.

  “Maybe that. We’ll worry when Jason gives us details.”

  Frank exhaled. “Wow, then there really wasn’t a reason for this meeting. Is that all?”

  “Yep.” Joe nodded. “We’ll meet tomorrow about anything else. Go finish up and get ready for the p
arty.”

  “Sounds goods.” Frank stood. “I’ll see you later.”

  Hal’s mouth remained agape until Frank ha left, “Dad? What about this mutilator? This is a concern.”

  “Yes it is Hal. I need to look at this, come up with some ideas on the case, and we can do that right now without Frank.”

  “But he’s head of Security. He really should …”

  “Hal,” Joe interrupted. “Think about that. We went round and round with him over a meteor hitting the far east—Washington DC and how the Middle East is Ohio. Frank has theories on a mutilator who is stealing body parts from drunks, as he put it. Do you really want to include him right now?”

  “No, absolutely not.”

  Joe smiled. “I didn’t think so.” He sat back and sighed, enjoying the tension free air and feel of the room before continuing.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Strips of cloth were used, not too tight but enough to bind Bertha Callahan to a strong wooden chair in the center of her room at the old bed and breakfast. With a slight grunt, Tigger fastened the last cloth around Bertha’s ankle to the leg of the chair.

  “I knew you were taking too long,” Tigger said with a hint of anger. “You tried to pull one over on me, my community.” He stood up and slowly walked behind the chair. “Leave me locked in the bedroom.”

  Bertha kept her stare forward. “I told you the President was speaking to me before he left.”

  “Bull.” With a tug, Tigger tightened the cloth that bound her hands behind the chair. “Isn’t it?”

  “You annoy me.”

  “You took on the wrong guy, babe.” Tigger inched his way to the side of her. “Who did you think you were dealing with?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Let me refresh your memory,” Tigger said. “You told me you’d return after you saw the President off. Yet you took a long while. Something told me not to trust you so I climbed out the window and followed you. I saw you sneaking into my Dad’s office. What were you doing there? Huh? Huh? Then you come back, so smug, thinking you had us fooled. I knew the President left you here for more than just ambassador. You’re a spy.”

  “No.”

  “Yes. Then you sneak into the bathroom. You turned the water on so I wouldn’t hear you calling the Society with vital Lodi information. Isn’t that right?”

  “I told you, as the President pulled out, the wheel spun mud at me.”

  “Likely story,” Tigger scoffed.

  “Was I not wet when you rudely burst in the bathroom?”

  “Oh, yeah.”

  “Tigger,” she scolded.

  Tigger cleared his throat. “Sorry.” He returned to serious. “You looked like you showered.”

  “Then you’re saying I showered and made the phone call. Don’t be absurd.”

  “It could have been your cover but you’re busted. Now you will be punished.” He moved to her ear. “Blindfold or no blindfold.”

  “I’ll brave it.” She cocked her head. “I want to see it coming.”

  “Suit yourself.” He walked around to the front of the chair. He took a long stare at her. Her knees came just past his shoulders. Was it protective instinct that caused Bertha to keep her thighs close even though her ankles were bound and separated or was it modesty because Tigger dragged her from the bathroom wearing only a towel? Whatever the reason, Tigger tauntingly fiddled a flap of the towel that rested at her knee. “Last chance, Babe.”

  “You won’t break me, no matter what.”

  He chuckled. “You do realize this is something I have always wanted to do but not had the opportunity. After all.” His finger played with the edge of the towel. “How many spies do we get here?”

  “I’m not a spy.”

  “You’ll confess,” Tigger said, “when I’m done with you.”

  “Never.”

  “You’re lucky you’re dealing with me.”

  “Then get it over with!” Bertha snapped. “Go on if you think you rattle me.”

  With a slightly lowered head, Tigger glanced up at her through the tops of his eyes. “Are you ready?”

  After a sniff of arrogance, Bertha nodded. “Yes.”

  Tigger gave an ornery chuckle then laid his hands on her knees. He gripped them both firmly. His fingers moved in a slow massaging manner as he teasingly separated her legs until they were spread.

  The towel opened slightly and Tigger reached for the edge. “Let’s see what other secrets you have hidden, Ms. Callahan.” Folding back the top side, Tigger exposed her right thigh then he took the other end of the towel.

  ***

  Ellen looked twice from the face of her watch to her bedroom door then raised her hand to knock. Before her knuckles even touched the surface, Frank called out from the bedroom.

  “Don’t ever knock on that door again,” he said.

  Ellen growled, “I hate this psychic thing you have.”

  “It’s not psychic. It’s knowing you. Is Danny here?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then don’t worry about what’s going on in here.”

  ‘But …”

  “El.” Frank was calmly stern. “Are you done getting ready?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then go talk to Danny. He’s waiting. I’ll be out.”

  “But what are you doing in there?” she asked.

  “If I wanted you to know, the door wouldn’t be closed.”

  “Fine.” With her arms folded, Ellen paused to listen at the door. She heard nothing from the other side. Shrugging, she walked down the hall.

  “Is everything okay?” Danny asked as she entered.

  “Yeah, the party starts soon and I have no clue what he’s doing,” Ellen said.

  “Where are the kids?”

  In near disgust, Ellen answered. “They’re over Joe’s already. I hope Frank’s not rearranging the furniture.” She approached the dining room table and reached for a chair.

  “Hey, who knows, maybe he’s hooking up that camera again so he can video tape you two …” Danny stopped talking when he saw the look on Ellen’s face. “Kidding. Sit.”

  “I’m sitting. What’s up?”

  “I have a proposition for you. It’ll be fun,” Danny said.

  “Sure, what’s the proposition?”

  “Okay. You’re divorced from Dean. As of right now, you and two other women are pretty much the only free agents around.”

  “I’m not really a free agent, Danny,” Ellen whispered.

  “Oh, yeah? Who are you involved with?”

  Frank yelled loudly from the bedroom, “Me!”

  Ellen pointed. “There you have it.”

  “True, but everyone has two relationships. Really, it’s not etched in stone with you and Frank. You don’t have a true primary.”

  The sound of Frank’s footsteps in the hall rang out. Thump-thump-thump-thump.

  “I hope to fuckin’ God …” Frank stood at the end of the hall. “You aren’t even trying to slide in there.”

  “I wouldn’t do that, Frank.” Danny lifted his hands in defense. “You know what I’m gonna ask her. You said okay. This is just my approach.”

  “Oh.” Frank nodded. “Sorry.” Turning, he walked away.

  Puzzled, Ellen returned to looking at Danny. “What did Frank give you permission for?”

  “Not really permission. He doesn’t mind if you do it. I asked him first.”

  “All right, what is it?” Ellen asked.

  “Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. It can be depressing for those of us without anyone. Ben, you know, is making things worse. His shop is stocked with gifts and everyone is going nuts, so I thought I’d do something nice. I hope you can be a part of it. The other two women said yes already.”

  “Danny, quit beating around the bush.”

  “Remember The Dating Game?”

  “Yes.” Ellen nodded.

  “Tomorrow evening at DBS studios, starting at five thirty, I am having The Da
ting Game. Three shows, three women with three male contestants on each show. The men will compete. The winner of each show will spend Valentine’s Day with the woman who picked them. El, I came up with a nice evening. I have one of those van limos. After the show, it will take the three couples into Bowman for a special dinner at Hoi-Hoi on the Range which will be closed to general population until after the dinner. Each couple will have their own table with special service. Then the Danny Plex will show a special feature of ‘An Affair to Remember’. Following that, the couples will return to Hoi-Hoi on the Range for dancing and drinks.”

  “That sounds really nice.” Ellen smiled. “Frank doesn’t mind if I do it on Valentine’s Day?”

  “No, his reaction was cool, El. I was apprehensive at first about including you. So you’ll do it?”

  “Sure. Why not?”

  Grinning Danny leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks. Make sure you’re dressed for the occasion.”

  “Who are the other two women?” Ellen asked.

  “Marma from Bowman. You know the masculine woman that now runs the House of Lesbians? And some woman named Kitty from Texas Town.”

  “Oh I know Kitty. She’s nice. So how does this work?”

  “Tonight at the Hall, any and all single men who want to participate will be given a number. Those with numbers are to be at DBS tomorrow by five. I will call the first group of three, put them behind a screen, and they won’t see the woman, nor will she see them until she picks Bachelor One, Two, or Three.”

  “But, Danny we all know each other. We’ll know …”

  “Voices?” Danny interrupted. “Nope. I figured that out. The microphones are hooked up to the sound effects. They won’t recognize your voice and you won’t recognize theirs. It’ll be pretty cool when the Bachelor and Bachelorette come face to face”

  “It will be.”

  “Then we’re set.” Danny stood up. “Just don’t act disappointed if you get someone, you know.”

  “Like Dan from Security.”

  Danny laughed. “Yeah.”

  “I won’t.” Ellen stood.

  “See you over Joe’s.” Danny embraced Ellen. “Thanks.”

  “No, thanks for thinking of me.” Ellen walked him to the door. “See you later.” After Danny left, Ellen stood in thought. She chuckled as she thought about The Dating Game and seeing herself on a hot date with eighty year old Hap. Shaking her head, she checked out the time on her watch and headed to the bedroom. “Frank. I’m done talking to Danny. It’s time to go. My hair is getting flat.” She stood before the bedroom door. “Frank?”